Wearable Band Identification Through a Shared Power Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wearable computing devices lack the ability to identify and adapt operations based on the type of band attached, limiting customization and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A wearable computing device system that includes a first circuit on the device and a second circuit on the band, utilizing a power interface to deliver power and a processor to obtain a unique identifier for the band, allowing the device to operate uniquely based on the band's identity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the wearable computing device uses a standardized power interface without band identification capabilities, then the device structure remains simple and manufacturing cost is low, but the device cannot customize operations based on different band types
Solution Approach 1:
The power interface conductors are designed to serve dual purposes: delivering electrical power to the band circuit and simultaneously transmitting band identification data. The existing power delivery conductors are repurposed to carry additional identification signals, allowing the same physical interface to handle both power supply and device identification functions without adding extra connection points or increasing structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the power delivery function and band identification function into a single integrated system. The power interface that was originally designed solely for electrical power transmission is merged with band identification capabilities, allowing both functions to operate through the same conductors and circuit pathway, thereby avoiding additional hardware components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the wearable computing device adds band identification functionality through additional sensors and circuits, then the device can recognize and adapt to different bands, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The power interface conductors are designed to serve dual purposes: delivering electrical power to the band circuit and simultaneously transmitting band identification data. The existing power delivery conductors are repurposed to carry additional identification signals, allowing the same physical interface to handle both power supply and device identification functions without adding extra connection points or increasing structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The band itself contains an integrated circuit that actively transmits its unique identification data to the wearable device through the power interface. Rather than requiring the wearable device to actively sense or query band properties through additional sensors, the band autonomously provides its identification information through the existing power connection, reducing the need for additional detection hardware in the wearable device.
3Ease of operation
If the wearable computing device continuously monitors band presence and delivers power to the band circuit, then the device can maintain readiness for band identification, but energy is consumed even when no band is attached
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuously monitoring the band interface, the wearable device employs periodic detection cycles. The processor intermittently checks whether a band is properly attached by attempting to establish electrical connection and retrieve identification data through the power interface. This periodic approach maintains detection readiness while significantly reducing power consumption compared to continuous monitoring, as the system transitions to a low-power state between detection cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the band's integrated circuit to determine whether power delivery should be activated. When the processor successfully retrieves band identification data through the power interface, it confirms band presence and subsequently activates continuous power delivery to the band circuit. When no band is detected, the system maintains detection capability but reduces or suspends power delivery to conserve energy, using the identification signal presence as feedback for power management decisions.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables the device to perform functions specific to the attached band, enhancing user experience through customization and additional sensor capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
The power interface is configured to deliver electrical power from the energy storage device to a circuit included on a band that is removably coupled to the housing
Data Source
AI summary
A wearable computing device includes a housing, an energy storage device and a power interface configured to deliver electrical power from the energy storage device to a circuit included on a band that is removably coupled to the housing. The wearable computing device includes a switching device configured to selectively couple the energy storage device to the power interface. The wearable computing device includes a processor configured to control operation of the switching device to couple the energy storage device to the power interface to deliver the electrical power to the circuit included on that band. The processor is configured to obtain data from the circuit on the band that is indicative of a unique identifier for the band. The processor is configured to control operation of the wearable computing device based. at least in part. on the data indicative of the unique identifier for the band.